At least 10 people are dead in western Japan and eight others are missing as tropical storm Etau brought heavy rain, causing landslides and floods.

The tropical storm came just hours after powerful typhoon Morakot battered Taiwan and China.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings for rain, floods and mudslides for many areas in western and central Japan.

Over 47,000 people were told to evacuate from western Japan, according to local media.

In Okayama Prefecture, houses were crushed by a mudslide with pieces of roof and trees scattered.

With wind gusts up to 126 kph, several domestic flights have been canceled, some highways have been closed and many train services in the afflicted region have been halted.

The storm is expected to head north with heavy rain continuing into Tuesday.

Tropical storms and typhoons regularly hit Japan and its neighboring countries in the second half of the year, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean before weakening over land.